News for 'religious freedom'

'Fringe Elements Must Be Brought Under Control'

'Fringe Elements Must Be Brought Under Control'

Rediff.com15 Aug 2025

'They should be given a strong message that they are not the ones who decide the rule of the land, and they are not the ones who decide what justice is.'

Hoardings in villages barring entry to pastors not unconstitutional: HC

Hoardings in villages barring entry to pastors not unconstitutional: HC

Rediff.com2 Nov 2025

The Chhattisgarh high court has disposed of two petitions seeking the removal of hoardings prohibiting entry to pastors and 'converted Christians' in eight villages, holding that they were installed to prevent forced conversions through allurement or fraudulent means and cannot be termed as unconstitutional.

Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon 2: Delightful Comedy!

Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon 2: Delightful Comedy!

Rediff.com12 Dec 2025

Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon 2 may be a comedy filled with chaos, but in its indirect way, it speaks about a time when the Constitution mattered more than one's religion and when the idea of India was larger than personal hate, observes Syed Firdaus Ashraf.

SC to hear pleas challenging Waqf Act on April 16

SC to hear pleas challenging Waqf Act on April 16

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

A three-judge Supreme Court bench will hear petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, on April 16. The petitions, including those by politicians and the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) and Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, were filed in the top court challenging the validity of the newly-enacted law. The Centre has filed a caveat in the apex court, seeking a hearing before any order is passed.

Indian government denies visa to US religious commission

Indian government denies visa to US religious commission

Rediff.com4 Mar 2016

A three-member delegation of US Commission on International Religious Freedom wanted to make a one-week visit starting on Friday to meet government officials, religious leaders and activists in India.

Alarming erosion of fundamental rights in India: UN

Alarming erosion of fundamental rights in India: UN

Rediff.com21 Sep 2023

"India risks becoming one of the world's main generators of instability, atrocities and violence because of the massive scale and gravity of the violations and abuses targeting mainly religious and other minorities such as Muslims, Christians, Sikhs and others. It is not just individual or local, it is systematic and a reflection of religious nationalism," he said.

Sacked civic workers in MP vow to leave 'Sanatan Dharma'

Sacked civic workers in MP vow to leave 'Sanatan Dharma'

Rediff.com14 Oct 2025

More than 150 daily wage employees of Chanderi Municipality in Madhya Pradesh's Ashoknagar district have threatened to renounce the "Sanatan Dharma" and embrace some other religion en masse after Diwali to protest their removal from service.

Film ridiculing religions, inciting hatred can't be allowed: HC

Film ridiculing religions, inciting hatred can't be allowed: HC

Rediff.com12 Sep 2025

The Delhi High Court has refused to allow the release of the Hindi film "Masoom Kaatil," citing concerns over violence, promotion of lawlessness, and potential for inciting communal disharmony.

State can interfere with religious practices if...: SC

State can interfere with religious practices if...: SC

Rediff.com25 Nov 2024

The Supreme Court of India has ruled that the secular nature of the state does not prevent it from interfering with religious practices and attitudes when they impede development and the right to equality in the larger public interest. The court dismissed pleas challenging the 1976 amendment to the Constitution, which added the terms "socialist", "secular", and "integrity" to the Preamble, stating that Parliament's amending power extends to the Preamble as well.

Uniform unites, not religion, says HC; upholds Army officer's sacking

Uniform unites, not religion, says HC; upholds Army officer's sacking

Rediff.com1 Jun 2025

A bench of Justices Navin Chawla and Shalinder Kaur rejected the petition by the Indian Army Lieutenant, who served as a 'Troop Leader' of a squadron, against the termination order passed on March 3, 2021, that dismissed him from the Indian Army without pension and gratuity.

BJP vs BJP over Kerala nuns' arrest in Chhattisgarh

BJP vs BJP over Kerala nuns' arrest in Chhattisgarh

Rediff.com29 Jul 2025

The Kerala BJP has contradicted the Chhattisgarh Chief Minister's justification of the arrest of two Keralite Catholic nuns, stating they were not involved in human trafficking or forced conversion attempts and promising to help them.

How are you getting money? Cong questions RSS registration, funding sources

How are you getting money? Cong questions RSS registration, funding sources

Rediff.com22 Oct 2025

Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge and Congress leader B K Hariprasad have raised concerns about the RSS not being a registered organization and questioned the sources of its funding, alleging that this lack of registration allows the RSS to evade government regulations. BJP leaders have defended the RSS, stating that registration is not mandatory for all organizations.

Dalai Lama rings in 90th birthday amid succession buzz

Dalai Lama rings in 90th birthday amid succession buzz

Rediff.com6 Jul 2025

A heavy rain Sunday morning did little to dispirit the thousands who gathered in the main courtyard of Tsuglagkhang, the Dalai Lama temple, to observe the 90th birth anniversary of the 14th Dalai Lama.

Marathi movie 'Manache Shlok' screenings halted over title row

Marathi movie 'Manache Shlok' screenings halted over title row

Rediff.com12 Oct 2025

Screenings of the Marathi film 'Manache Shlok' were disrupted in Maharashtra due to objections to the title. The director, Mrunmayee Deshpande, expressed disappointment, and the film will be re-released with a new title. Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant criticized the protests.

What Is DMK's Plan To Counter Vijay?

What Is DMK's Plan To Counter Vijay?

Rediff.com18 Dec 2025

The DMK may consider a two-tier campaign, where they keep the focus on Chief Minister Stalin, as a senior statesman with 50-plus years of political experience, and let EPS and the BJP shout in the wilderness. In such a case, the second-tier may project Udhayanidhi as the contender and chosen obstructionist in Vijay's path. The attempt, if any, would be to reduce Vijay to Udhayanidhi's level when the former is aiming at Stalin and Stalin alone in the state's political horizon, predicts N Sathiya Moorthy.

'Vague and broad': SC seeks UP's response to plea against conversion law

'Vague and broad': SC seeks UP's response to plea against conversion law

Rediff.com16 Jul 2025

The Supreme Court has sought the Uttar Pradesh government's response on a plea challenging certain provisions of the 2024 amended UP law on unlawful religious conversion, citing concerns about free speech and religious propagation.

SC rejects plea against Dasara invitation to Banu Mushtaq

SC rejects plea against Dasara invitation to Banu Mushtaq

Rediff.com19 Sep 2025

The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed a plea challenging the Karnataka government's decision to invite International Booker Prize winner Banu Mushtaq to inaugurate Mysuru Dasara this year.

'In India, religious tolerance is deteriorating'

'In India, religious tolerance is deteriorating'

Rediff.com17 Jun 2016

Religious tolerance in India is "deteriorating" while religious freedom violations are "increasing", a rights expert has told American lawmakers.

Nehru Should Have Retired In 1957

Nehru Should Have Retired In 1957

Rediff.com13 Nov 2025

...a time when his legacy ledger was still positive and before the debacle against China. With every subsequent election, our leaders tend to become weaker. India should consider passing a law that no person should hold the highest office in our country for more than two terms, points out Harishchandra.

US conveys concerns to India over religious violence

US conveys concerns to India over religious violence

Rediff.com11 Aug 2016

The Indian govt has been slow to react when violence has taken place, the US said.

CBFC cuts beef biryani scene from Malayalam movie

CBFC cuts beef biryani scene from Malayalam movie

Rediff.com10 Oct 2025

The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has directed the removal of several scenes, including those depicting the eating of beef biriyani and dialogues on 'dhwaj pranam', from the upcoming Malayalam movie Haal starring Shine Nigam.

Obama vows to protect religious minorities at home and abroad

Obama vows to protect religious minorities at home and abroad

Rediff.com16 Jan 2016

Obama made no reference to any country in his speech but said that his administration works to promote religious freedom around the globe.

No foreign entity has right to comment on India: Govt on US religious rights report

No foreign entity has right to comment on India: Govt on US religious rights report

Rediff.com4 Aug 2022

No foreign entity or government has any locus standi to comment on the fundamental rights of Indian citizens, the government said on Thursday, rejecting a report by the US state department on the alleged curtailment of religious freedom in India.

Muslim law board to challenge Waqf 'black law' in court

Muslim law board to challenge Waqf 'black law' in court

Rediff.com2 Apr 2025

The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has announced its intention to challenge the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in court, labeling it a "black law" that threatens the community's rights. The AIMPLB, a major organization representing Muslims in India, asserts that the Bill, if passed, would lead to the seizure of Muslim properties and undermine the autonomy of Waqf Boards. The organization plans to launch nationwide protests against the Bill, echoing the farmers' agitation, and has urged all citizens to resist the legislation. The Bill has been met with criticism from various quarters, including opposition parties, who claim that the Centre is rushing it through Parliament without adequately addressing concerns raised by the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC).

Modi, RSS cartoons: SC to hear cartoonist's bail plea

Modi, RSS cartoons: SC to hear cartoonist's bail plea

Rediff.com11 Jul 2025

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear the anticipatory bail plea of a cartoonist accused of uploading objectionable cartoons of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and RSS workers on social media. The Madhya Pradesh High Court had previously refused to grant him relief, observing it was a gross misuse of freedom of speech.

SC reserves interim orders on 3 issues in Waqf Act

SC reserves interim orders on 3 issues in Waqf Act

Rediff.com22 May 2025

The Supreme Court of India has reserved its interim orders on three key issues related to the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, including the power to denotify waqf properties, the composition of waqf boards, and the provision regarding government land. The court heard arguments from both the petitioners, who challenged the validity of the amended law, and the Centre, which defended the Act as a secular concept. The petitioners sought interim orders to prevent the implementation of certain provisions while the court considers the legal challenges.

'It Was A Trial By Bajrang Dal Workers'

'It Was A Trial By Bajrang Dal Workers'

Rediff.com31 Jul 2025

'The nuns were subjected to abusive language and all types of mental torture.'

PM, RSS cartoons: SC says right to free speech being 'abused'

PM, RSS cartoons: SC says right to free speech being 'abused'

Rediff.com14 Jul 2025

The Supreme Court on Monday said the right of freedom of speech and expression was being 'abused' while hearing the plea of a cartoonist accused of sharing alleged objectionable cartoons of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh workers on social media.

16 held for illegal slaughter of cattle in Assam during Eid: Himanta

16 held for illegal slaughter of cattle in Assam during Eid: Himanta

Rediff.com8 Jun 2025

People from the Hindu community blocked roads in Hojai during the day, alleging that some pieces of meat were thrown by miscreants on Saturday night, and while Muslims also held another roadblock and the police had to use batons to disperse protesters, a senior officer said.

Students clash at Delhi's SAU over non-veg food on Maha Shivratri

Students clash at Delhi's SAU over non-veg food on Maha Shivratri

Rediff.com27 Feb 2025

According to an official statement by SFI Delhi, the ABVP members attacked some students in the university mess for not complying with their demand that non-vegetarian food should not be served on Maha Shivratri.

Govt has a right to reclaim Waqf properties: Centre tells SC

Govt has a right to reclaim Waqf properties: Centre tells SC

Rediff.com21 May 2025

The Centre on Wednesday told the Supreme Court that nobody can claim right over government land and it is legally empowered to reclaim properties which are declared waqf by using the waqf by user principle.

'Uddhav Should Not Join Hands With Raj Thackeray'

'Uddhav Should Not Join Hands With Raj Thackeray'

Rediff.com5 Nov 2025

'Raj Thackeray is working at the behest of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.'

Bad Girl Review: Portrait of A Girl in Hot Mess

Bad Girl Review: Portrait of A Girl in Hot Mess

Rediff.com26 Sep 2025

The most beautiful aspect of Bad Girl is the way it delves into the mother and daughter relationship, observes Mayur Sanap.

'Court can't interfere in religious freedom': Muslim body on triple talaq

'Court can't interfere in religious freedom': Muslim body on triple talaq

Rediff.com2 Sep 2016

The board said that practices provided by Muslim Personal Law on the issues of marriage, divorce and maintenance were based on holy scripture Al-Quran and "courts cannot supplant its own interpretations over the text of scriptures".

Forced religious conversion is a serious issue: SC

Forced religious conversion is a serious issue: SC

Rediff.com5 Dec 2022

Forced religious conversion may pose a danger to national security and impinge on the religious freedom of citizens, the top court had said recently and asked the Centre to step in and make sincere efforts to tackle the "very serious" issue.

1905: The Partition Before Partition

1905: The Partition Before Partition

Rediff.com16 Oct 2025

The partition of Bengal in 1905 split more than a province, it touched people's hearts and awakened India's fight for freedom.

Javed Akhtar event postponed after Muslims protest

Javed Akhtar event postponed after Muslims protest

Rediff.com2 Sep 2025

The West Bengal Urdu Academy has postponed a 'mushaira' featuring Javed Akhtar following protests by some Muslim groups who claim his comments hurt religious sentiments. Left student organizations condemn the postponement.

Uniform civil code is nothing but a deliberate attempt to...: Jamiat

Uniform civil code is nothing but a deliberate attempt to...: Jamiat

Rediff.com19 Jun 2023

Tthe Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind said it opposes the UCC as it is "totally against the religious freedom and fundamental rights guaranteed to the citizens in Articles 25 and 26 of the Constitution."

Why We Must Worry About India's Human Rights Record

Why We Must Worry About India's Human Rights Record

Rediff.com18 Oct 2025

In May, 40 Rohingyas were blindfolded and flown to the Andaman and Nicobar islands and then thrown into the sea and made to swim to an island in Myanmar. And after the Pahalgam attack, at least 300 Muslims were 'pushed back' to Bangladesh from Assam.

Indian History Congress slams NCERT modules on Partition

Indian History Congress slams NCERT modules on Partition

Rediff.com26 Aug 2025

The Indian History Congress (IHC) has criticized NCERT's new Partition Horrors Remembrance Day modules, alleging they spread falsehoods with communal intent by depicting the Congress as complicit in Partition while absolving the British.